You Guys That DO NOT Reload... How Do You Afford to Shoot A Lot?

This is a discussion on You Guys That DO NOT Reload... How Do You Afford to Shoot A Lot? within the General Firearm Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; I'm just starting to get into reloading. A buddy of mine was selling his stuff (all Dillon gear) and I bought it. I'm very busy ...

You Guys That DO NOT Reload... How Do You Afford to Shoot A Lot?

I'm just starting to get into reloading. A buddy of mine was selling his stuff (all Dillon gear) and I bought it. I'm very busy right now and setting it up is taking a while... I like the idea of it & with the speed of a progressive, I am thinking I could do 400+ rounds an hour, so time's not a huge deal, but I do wonder about it and think I "might" be biting off more than I can chew... I am wondering though, is there much in-between the two extremes? Handloading your own ammo vs. all factory stuff? From what I can tell, you save about 70% of your cash by reloading brass (assuming you have the willingness to be a brass rat at the range) you already have vs. buying factory fresh ammo.

The only other option I have found is buying reloads from a friend or small business that you trust. Of course, that can be dicey, depending on the amount of risk you are willing to take.

I buy rounds in bulk but its still costing me around 200 dollars for 1K of 9mm.

That's what I figured... I have found some great rates online but have figured that buying 3,000 rounds of various calibers each year would cost me nearly $1,000... vs. $250+ for that same amount reloaded. I guess it is just a time vs. cost issue? I mean, don't you have to shoot 3,000 rounds through your handgun every year to stay sharp? Or am I really overdoing it there?!?

For .45 ACP I was paying about .50 a round from my range. Prices at WW are less but as we all know it's hit or miss. Just started reloading and I'm at .18 a round with FMJ Bullets. When I start casting my own it will drop to about .9 cent a round.

I got 270 before shipping and hazmat, using the lowest prices on components that I could find on the net, and without the expense of new brass. That figure is for ball ammo, and not premium JHP, of course. 5.8 grains of Unique, 1 pound container, 180gr Magtech FMJ, Federal large handgun primers.